Chef Michael Henson shows off some of his signature dishes at the Beachwood.
No need to compromise on amenities, dining and diversions while embracing Ontario's famous waterfront lifestyle
Why isn't there a Muskoka chair on the Ontario flag?
The province is home to about 250,000 lakes and 100,000 kilometres of rivers after all. And its regions, such as the Kawartha Lakes, Simcoe County and the wooden recliner's namesake district, have become synonymous with the term "cottage country."
These getaway-friendly expanses provide myriad options for vacationers who don't own holiday homes. And if you like your home base with a beach or canoe, but a spa and golf course too, there is plenty of choice. Across the province, upscale resorts combine amenities and sought-after diversions with the gorgeous settings that made cottage country famous in the first place.
Consider these five resorts that are sure to please.
Nottawasaga Inn
A river runs through Nottawasaga Inn's grounds and two golf courses (
The diversions are abundant at this inviting 269-room resort on the green banks of Simcoe County's Nottawasaga River.
Sporty guests come for the 45 regulation holes of golf spread across two courses, and a 70,000-square-foot health and fitness centre with tennis and squash courts, as well as a full-service spa that's perfect for post-workout pampering.
Nature lovers can explore a 6.3-kilometre network of walking trails, while fun-seeking families are drawn to indoor mini-golf and a three-storey waterslide that empties into a tropical rainforest-themed pool.
Beachwood Resort
Visitors seeking a cottage of their own can find one along 1,400 feet of idyllic Kawartha lakefront.
Eight expansive cottage units accommodate up to 12 guests, while 18 lodge rooms cater to couples and families. Amenities reflect the traditional cottage feel, with lakeside loungers ringing marshmallow-ready firepits and walking paths that meander through the woods.
Likewise, organized activities include fishing excursions, cooking classes and watercolour seminars. It's just like having a cottage of your own – except this one has a heated outdoor pool and the renowned Frederick's at Beachwood restaurant.
The Briars
This historic family-owned resort brings a touch of elegance to the sunny southern shores of Lake Simcoe. The mix of inn rooms and private cottages, along with two enormous private lodges, an octagonal peacock house and a 70-foot-tall viewing tower, reflect the property's graceful Victorian roots.
Summer activities such as croquet and sketching classes also embrace the charms of this bygone era, while the championship Scottish woodlands golf course, designed by Stanley Thompson and Robbie Robinson, challenges players.
Combine all this with decadent dining and the tranquil Briars Spa, and it's clear that after nearly 150 years in business The Briars knows how to do cottage country right.
Rocky Crest Golf Resort
Rocky Crest Golf Resort offers million-dollar views in a luxurious setting.
This luxurious all-suite option fits right in among the spectacular holiday homes of the rich and famous lining the shores of Muskoka's Lake Joseph. But few of those properties can match Rocky Crest when it comes to amenities. There's the extensive network of walking and biking trails, which winds through magnificent hemlock forests and around natural wetlands filled with wildlife.
All manner of watercraft are moored to docks that frame a lovely sand beach, with an inflatable playground floating in the resort's secluded bay. There's an outdoor pool, hot tub, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, and Rocky Crest's crown jewel: an award-winning 18-hole golf course and magnificent log-style club house.
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
Hotel luxury and cottage-country living combine at The Rosseau, which overlooks its namesake lake from atop a dramatic granite bluff. The horseshoe-shaped property features an array of outdoor pools and hot tubs, as well as an expansive sandy beach strewn with chaises and water toys. There's plenty of dock space from which to launch canoes and pontoon boats – all the better to explore the myriad islands and inlets of Muskoka's Lake Rosseau. End-of-day bonfires on Fish Rock, meanwhile, are sure to incite sing-alongs and marshmallow roasts. Beyond these DIY desserts, The Rosseau's six dining options serve up everything from lobster ravioli to the "Canadian Margarita," a blend of tequila, Chambord, agave syrup and fresh lime and grapefruit juice.
This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.